BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Monday, Dr. Tonja Williams, the new interim superintendent for Buffalo Public Schools, kicked off the first of many stops on her new listening tour "Conversation & Coffee" at North Park Community School.
Williams and members of her staff spent 90 minutes listening to community thoughts and concerns. Some positive, others not so positive, however, all constructive.
Williams used this stop as an opportunity to lay out her intentions as district leader.
"I've been coming to the community to hear, to share, and to talk about what the vision is for the school district," Williams said. "I will always, always do what's right for the children."
Among her intentions, Williams said she plans to expand educational opportunities for students, work collaboratively with the community and families, and rebuild trust moving forward, among others.
"We'll be have listening tours some in schools, some in churches, some in community-based organizations all throughout the city," Williams continued.
Parents, staff, and teachers took to the microphone to share a variety of input during the session. While input varied, it was clear how appreciative the community was for the opportunity to do just that.
One BPS music teacher started off her commentary with this sentiment, "I want to thank you for having this this gathering. It's very meaningful."
The next stop on Williams' listening tour is Antioch Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 30, from 6-7:30 p.m.
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